National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Polishing the teeth for at least how many minutes with pumice may remove 3-4 micrometers of enamel?

1. 1 minute

2. 2 minutes

3. 3 minutes

4. 5 minutes

The correct answer is: 3 minutes

Polishing teeth with pumice typically involves a specific duration of time that correlates with the amount of enamel removed. When polishing for 3-4 micrometers of enamel, the process requires careful consideration of both the duration and the technique used. The choice of three minutes is backed by studies that indicate this time frame is generally sufficient to achieve the desired level of enamel removal without excessively compromising tooth structure. When polishing, longer durations often increase the risk of damaging the enamel, while insufficient time may not achieve the desired polishing effect. Therefore, three minutes serves as a balance between these concerns, allowing the dental hygienist to effectively attain a polished surface while minimizing enamel loss. This is particularly relevant in maintaining the integrity and health of the teeth, making this duration a standard recommendation in dental hygiene practices.